by Angela V 
Our family gets the flu vaccine each year. My husband and boys suffer from viral induced asthma so prevention is key at our household. Getting the flu usually means respiratory complications and ending up at the hospital, instead, getting the flu vaccine is fast, virtually painless and FREE for us.
We’ve heard our fair share of old-wives-tales that people believe when it comes to talking about the cold/flu and flu vaccines. Below you will find a list of some of the most common misconceptions associated with the flu vaccine according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
The flu vaccine gives you the flu.
FALSE. Flu vaccinations delivered via a needle are either made with an ‘inactivated’ flu virus that’s not infectious, or with no flu virus at all.
You don’t need to get the flu vaccine every year.
FALSE. In order to best protect yourself from the flu you need to be vaccinated annually. Getting a vaccine doesn’t need to be a complicated, time consuming process. Canadians can drop in to their local Shoppers Drug Mart or select grocery stores at any time of day, without an appointment.
You should wait until the height of flu season to get vaccinated so you’re protected for longer.
FALSE. While it’s never too late to get vaccinated, it’s best to receive your flu shot soon after it’s available, likely October. The antibodies delivered via the flu vaccine that protect you against infection take up to two weeks to take effect, and since the flu peaks between December – February it’s important to get vaccinated weeks before the holiday party season starts.
Pregnant women need to get consent from their doctor prior to receiving the flu vaccine.
FALSE. There is no recommendation for pregnant women to seek consent from their doctor prior to vaccination. However, there are some people who should seek their doctors’ advice prior to being vaccinated, including those who have a moderate – to – severe illness and patients with a history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome.
We got our vaccines this year at our local Shoppers Drug Mart and it took us only 10-15 minutes, with no appointment required. Note that they can’t vaccinate children younger than 5 years old so for younger children you must go to a vaccination clinic or your Family Doctor.
Are you getting vaccinated this year?
THE GIVEAWAY
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Disclosure: I was compensated for this post, however all views and opinions expressed are my own.
270 Comments on “Busting Common Flu Vaccine Myths”
No, I don’t get a flu shot
Yes, I get the flu shot every year.
Actually my husband and I got ours last year but have yet to get one this year. We will need to book a doc appt really soon before things get hectic because of the holidays
I get my flu shot every year. In fact, this year It was given to me by a Pharmacist at one of my local Shopper’s Drug Mart. I got the shot on the first day it was available – Halloween. So I did the whole thing in costume.
This is the first year and I’ll most likely continue.
I get it for myself and my boys to make it safer for them!
Yes, I get the flu shot every year
I do get my flu shot on an annual basis. This year I have not yet got one but, I am having other issues that are delaying me to get it.
My daughter and I got the flu shot this year! I’ll most likely continue with my daughter for preventative measures. P.s. that basket is amazing!
Yes, we’ve been getting them the past few years after suffering with the flu for a few years prior.
We usually get a flu shot but haven’t yet this year!
Yes I do!
I do get my shot each year. It’s important not only for yourself but also to help prevent spreading the illness to people who are at higher risk of having serious complications.
No, I don’t get the flu shot
I use to always get my fly shot but have stopped getting it
Yep..we get our flu shot
Yes I got my flu shot
I get the flu shot every year since I have a weak immune system.
Up until not that long ago I thought the flu shot was for the stomach flu. I didn’t realize it was for a respiratory thing!
I sure do, got my flu jab a while back now.
I never had one until this year. My 80 year old mom talked me into. I am 52
I do not get the flu vaccine every year.
I avoid those flu shots!
Yes I do get my flu shot every year, I think it is very important to do so.
Yes I get the flu shot every year.
I do get my flu shot every year, I have been now for 8 years and thankfully I hardly ever get sick anymore!!
I get the flu vaccine every year. We almost lost my 2 year old nephew to the flu. I wish people were more thoughtful about getting the flu shot.
No, I don’t get a flu shot
I do get the flu shot every year.We went to our pharmacy and the pharmacist gave it to us.I think it helps to ward off the worst of the flus. 🙂
Yes, I get the flu vaccine every year.
I do not get the flu shot. I tend to have reactions to shots, so I’d rather risk getting the flu vs the greater odds of having a reaction.
Last year I went to Shoppers Drug Mart for the flu vaccine. I have not yet had the chance this year but plan on it 🙂
Yes, I get a flu shot every year, and so does my husband. Our employers offer them so we always sign up. My older daughter also got one a couple of times – once when the flu year was predicted to be quite bad and we were traveling a lot over winter i.e. exposing her to lots of germs on planes, and at places like Disneyland. And another time when her sister was a newborn and the doctor recommended that everyone in the house have it.
I do not.
Yes we get them every year.
Some years I do, some years I don’t get the flu vaccine. There is no rhyme or reason to it!
I got my first one last year and again this year.
I do not
yes, I do
We do not get the flu shots. We dont usually get the flu usually.
I do get the flu shot, but most of my Family and colleagues don’t so I wonder how protected I am
Most years we get the flu vaccine but some years we just do not get there for the shot. So far this year we have not except my husband.
Yes I have got my flu shot this year.
Yes I do get my flu shot every year. This year I went to Shoppers for it.
Awesome prize for this time of year!!!!!
I got the flu shot once and immidiately got really sick afterward. So I’ve never gotten it again but I may start getting it for my little one
It’s been years since I have gotten the flu shot.
No I don’t get my flu shot every year.
I am very faithful to getting my yearly flu shot. I have a health condition that puts me in the danger category.
Yes, I get my flu shot every year like clockwork
I always get my flu shot every single year
Yes i do get it every year.
I have never gotten a flu shot.
I don’t usually get the flu shot. I try my best not to get sick
I usually get a flu shot every year.
Actually I don’t. It’s been years and I never really get that sick this time of year however, now that my daughter is in school well I might rethink that. She brings home a lot of germs lol
No, I don’t, but since I got the flu last month, I am going to reconsider. I don’t ever want to get that sick again.
I do, and I encourage everyone to get one.
Yes, I do get a flu shot every year
I haven’t always got it every year but I am going to get it this year.
No, I don’t get the vaccine as I react to it with difficulty swallowing, tingling in my throat, chest tightness etc…
No, I don’t get it every year.
Yes I get it every year before Christmas and seeing all kinds of people.
Yes I do as I am exposed to many high traffic areas during the course of my day.
We do get a flu shot every year because my husband works in a hospital.
I know that it is a myth that you get the flu after getting the flu shot but EVERY time I have got the flu shots, I have become sick! Not sure if I am getting it this year.
I get the flu shot every year, including this year.
Yes, my whole family gets the flu shot each year!
I get my flu shot every year
No
yes we usually do
I do no get a flu shot yearly
I do not get the flu shot every year.
Most years I do, but this one got away on me I’m afraid…
No, I don’t get one. My Dr advises me that I should but I also decline it.
I get my flu shot each year. It would be to hard being a mom while sick with the flu.
No, but considering getting it this year.
Yes we do get our flu shot every year.
I haven’t yet but I know I should!
i do not currently get one every year, but as my immune system is getting worse, i’m seriously considering it.
No, I don’t.
No, we do not.
I don’t get a flu vaccine every year but my kids do.
I get the flu shot every year.
Yes. I get one every year. I have some health complications and my doctor insists on it.
No flu shot for me
Most years because I am in contact with the public.
Sometimes I do, other times I don’t.
Yes, I get the flu shot every year
I usually get the flu shot but not always.
No, I haven’t got the flu shot yet.
I don’t get the flu shot anymore. I find we do better the years we don’t get it. We just try hard to manage with vitamins, lots of hand washing and making sure the kids are as well rested as possible!
I’ve never had the flu vaccine. I should.
No, I don’t get the flu shot
no I don’t
I don’t get the flu shot
I certainly do!
I haven’t gotten the flu shot every year.
I don’t get one.
No, I passed this year.
I’ve never gotten a flu shot – and I don’t plan to!
Get my flu shot every year, I visit a care facility regularly and I do not want to be getting my aunt sick or anyone else who works or lives there
Yes I get the flu shot every year!
i do not get a flu shot
Yes, I get the shot every year!
No, never.
I get it every year.
No, I’ve never had the flu shot.
Yes, usually.
I don’t get it every year, but I know I probably should!
never get a flu vaccine
yesi get a flu shot
I confess, that I’ve never had a flu vaccine.
I did get it once but didn’t respond particularly well to it. In addition, I contracted the influenza virus anyway so have abstained from getting another one since.
No, never will..
I dont get it, just take good vitamins.
I choose not to get the flu shot 🙂
I get a flu shot every year
NO I do not. Once in my life.
The odd time I do get the flu shot…the strain changes so much I don’t think it does very much
i get it at the seniors home i work at
No I don’t…for some reason whenever I get any shots I get the illness shortly after.
I do not get the flu vaccine.
No I do not
Yes I get my flu shot every year
I get the flu shot every year and it keeps the flu away
Yes, I get my flu shot every year.
I absolutely get my flu vaccine every year; I’m lucky that my company pays for it and actually brings in nurses on a pre-scheduled day to give those wanting a flu shot, the vaccine.
No, I’ve never got the flu vaccine and I’ve never had the flu either! Lets just keep it that way!
I have gotten my flu shot every year for years.
I don’t get flu vaccines because shots bother my lupus.
I forgot when the last time I got a flu shot. I don’t get them every year.
yes, I always get both my husband and I in for flu shots.
No we do not get the flu shot!
Yes I do give the flu shot
Yes I usually get my flu shot every year.
I usually do but I haven’t even had enough “well” time to get it!
I have not gotten my flu shot and am hoping I don’t get sick!!!
Yes, I do
No I dont get the flu shot.
No I don’t get one every year.
I haven’t got it for a couple years!
I’ve been getting a flu shot since my parents entered a nursing home.
I would love to win this and we get vaccines!
i dont i should but i rarely think about it
yes a flu shot and a pneumonia shot every year
Yep, I always do!
We got ours!
Nope, we don’t, poor history of efficacy.
No we don’t usually get the flu shot but we’re not normally in Canada for the winter.
Besos Sarah
Journeys of The Zoo
No i do not get flu shot
I usually try to get it every year but this year I forgot; I ended up regretting it because I think I might have the flu right now =(
Yes….Every year we got our flu shots!
Yes, the kids and I get the flu shot.
I haven’t been getting an annual flu shot, although I should.
I get the flu shot every year at Shoppers!
No I do not get the flu shot
I did get the flu shot when my kids were babies but I haven’t in the past few years.
it has been about 5 years since I’ve had a flu shot but it’s on my to-do list for this year!
Yes I have been getting it since 1987.
No, I do not get the flu shot.
I got my flu shot this year because I work at a health clinic and don’t want to risk getting others sick, even though I never get sick myself
I don’t get the flu shot every year. This year I have not gotten it yet.
I get the flu shot every year!
i’ve never had the flu shot. i actually haven’t been sick in years.
Yes I get the flu shot
Yes every year.
I always intend to get the vaccine every year but usually about the time it becomes available I’m already sick so I don’t go right away then it just gets lost in all the mess of every day living. I should try harder this year though!
I am a teacher and I always get me flu shot because I am surrounded by sick kids!!!
Yes I have for the past three years.My Mom going through chemo was my catalyst
Not every year
I don’t. I know I should, but… ugh. lol.
Yes, I get my flu vaccine every year.
I don’t get the flu shot.
I get it every year.
I used to get the flu shot every year, but I haven’t the last few years.
Comment below letting me know, do you get your flu vaccine every year?
i never take the flu shot
I got mine for the first time this year, since we have a baby in the house.
I’ve never got a flu vaccine, but I’ve been thinking about it.
I always get my flu shot, so does my daughter and I just got my fiance on board.
I do not usually get a flu shot.
I have not gotten the flu vaccine in the past, but I did this year.
I don’t get it every year, but it is probably a good idea that I do
My husband and I have gotten the flu shot for the past 25 years.
No i have never got the flu shot.
yes I’ve been getting my flu shot faithfully every year
Some years I have others I haven’t, just didn’t get around to it!
No I don’t get the flu shot
I don’t think I’ve ever gotten a flu shot. However, last year I lost my mom to the flu (she was only 49!!!!), so I have been considering getting vaccinated. Thanks for the chance to win 🙂
I have only had the flu vaccine once.
No I don’t get the flu shot.
I did a few years but i have been healthy since and i always got sick right after the flu shot
Yes, I get the flu vaccine every year.
No I don’t get the flu shot.
I never get the flu shot even since the last 2times I got it. I got the flu. But ever since I don’t get it I never get the flu anymore. Plus I did some research on the flu shot. It has last year strain so it doesn’t even protect you for th u s years strain. Plus it has mercury in it which isn’t good for anyone.
I have never received a flu shot… But also never gotten the flu! knock on wood
I do not get the flu vaccine
Yes i do, but i still didn’t get it this year
No never have , never will
We get ours at our family doctor.
I usually don’t get a flu vaccine, but some of my family do.
No, I don’t get the flu shot.
no,I don`t usually get a flu shot
No i do not get my flu vaccine every year.
No, I don’t get flu shot
I didn’t get my flu shot this year but got it last year. It doesn’t seem to make much of a difference for me.
I have received my flu shot every year for a long time but not this year.
Yes I have to get the flu and pneumonia shot. I have a very week immune system from medication due to auto immune disease. So I have to be very careful germ free home. Went on a plane last year and ended up with pneumonia in the hospital for a week. ????
Yes, i’ve got the vaccine and everyone in my family also
no I don’t
DR.\S OFFICE. they always have time for me.
I used to as I am a nurse but had to stop getting it 3 years ago when I developed an undiagnosed condition and my last flu shot preceeded me declining further so I was told to forgo it until they know whats going on. Its nothing against the flu shot as I think it is a good thing I just have a really weird health condition
Yes. Every year they do an immunization night at my kid’s school. My kids would remind me about that all the time.
Normally yes, this past year I didn’t and I’ve already been sick 3 times! I’m regretting it big time!
I have never gotten the flu vaccine because I rarely get the flu.
YES !!! I do get the flu shot every year. I was diagnosed with emphysema ( I’m a non smoker ) so it’s Very important for me not to get sick. I am so grateful for people that do get the flu shot to also protect me from getting sick. Thank you for helping to get the message out of it’s importance and Happy Holidays 🙂
I do not get my flu shot every year. It has been a while
No, I do not get the flu shot
No I don’t.
, i’ve got the vaccine and everyone
No, I don’t get my flu vaccine every year and I’ve never had the flu.
i get the vaccine every year if i can
I’ve been getting a flu shot for the past five years and haven’t gotten sick so far!!!
Yes, I get myflu shot each year (typically at my local drug store).
Yes I do.
No, I haven’t gotten it yet.
I dont get it every year
I don’t get the flu shot every year. I work from home so I am not exposed to a bunch of germs throughout the day. I don’t mind getting sick, it’s a good excuse to watch movies and sleep all day. haha.
I only get a flu shot because I’m required due to my job, so I got my 2nd one for the 2nd year in a row..
Yes I do I have cancer so I have to get it
I haven’t gotten one for years & been fine but I got one this year because when my doctor offered it I couldn’t think of a good enough excuse to say no.
I don’t get them every year… Although I used to.
I use to, haven’t gotten one the past two years.
This is the 1st year my Dr wanted me to take it I’ve never had it before. I was scared because I heard stories it makes you really sick. I’m 54 now with some health issues so I took it and I was amazed it didn’t make me sick at all. I recommend to everyone now.
I always get the flu shot. I would hate to think I had made a small child or older person sick or worse. Flu is deadly.
Yes, I do get the flu shot every year.
I do not obtain a flu vaccine every year.
Every year the moment it is available.I keep up all of my shots.
No, I don’t get the flu shot.
I do not get the flu shot
Yes, it really helps.
The flu vaccine is the one vaccine we do not get in our household. Instead we prefer to use more natural methods to prevent the fu such as elderberry syrup and other herbs.
I choose not to.
I’ve been getting the flu shot every year for the past 38 years,And maybe had the flu twice, Compared to pneumonia sometimes twice a season!
I do not get the flu vaccine.
I try to – this year I missed the one that we usually get offered at work because I was on holiday. 🙁
My immune system is pretty darn good. I haven’t had the flu for more than a decade, so I don’t get vaccinated.
No I don’t get the flue shot. I heard alot of negative about it.
I don’t get the vaccine but my mo does.
No, I don’t get a flu shot every year
No, I don’t get the flu shot every year nor does anyone in my family.
No, I do not get a flu shot. I have never had a flu shot. I do however stock up on raw garlic.
No, I don’t get the flu shot every year nor does anyone in my family.
Yes, I get the flu shot every year.
No, I have never had the flu shot
Up until last year I have had a flu shot every year since I can remember. This year I haven’t .
I have gotten the flu shot every year for the last 5 – 10 years.
no i do not
I get my flu shot annually due to a suppressed immune system.
No, i dont like the idea of it and have yet to catch the flu
Yes
I get a flu shot every year because I have asthma.
I have never had a flu vaccine in my life!
We usually don’t get the flu shot.
I do get a flu shot.
Hi I have never had a flu shot
I always get a flu shot.
I don’t get the flu vaccine due to medical issues with them.
i do not get a flu shot every year its been a long time since i had one.
Flu shot taken!